Women’s History Month Events & Icons in Downtown SF

Thursday, March 5, 2026

San Francisco’s downtown core has long been shaped by bold women. From trailblazing authors to renowned architects, these iconic women and their legacies can be felt throughout all parts of downtown, where landmarks like Lotta’s Fountain and the Julia Morgan Ballroom remain powerful markers of their impact.

This Women’s History Month, downtown San Francisco is buzzing with panels, events, and celebrations, honoring the legacies and achievements of women throughout history. This guide brings together history, happenings, local businesses, and more resources to explore so you can honor Women’s History Month in a meaningful and empowered way.

Maya Angelou

Revered poet Maya Angelou broke barriers in San Francisco as one of the first Black female streetcar conductors. During WWII, she persisted, showing up daily at Market Street Railway Company, for two weeks until she was hired. For five months on the streetcars, she faced both racial and gender discrimination, but her early grit on Market Street foreshadowed the powerful voice she’d later share with the world.

Julia Morgan

Trailblazing architect Julia Morgan, the first licensed female architect in California and the only woman to graduate with a civil engineering degree from UC Berkeley in 1894, helped rebuild San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake and designed parts of the campus. Her refined mastery shines in the Julia Morgan Ballroom at the Merchants Exchange here in downtown, where visitors can admire her timeless design.

Lotta Crabtree

Beloved performer Lotta Crabtree rose from Gold Rush stages to international tours as “Miss Lotta, the San Francisco Favorite.” In 1875, she gifted the city, Lotta’s Fountain at Market & Kearny, a landmark that survived 1906 and became a vital meeting point after the quake. Today, it remains a symbol of resilience and a gathering place each April 18.

Lillie Hitchcock Coit

At 15, Lillie Coit jumped in to help firefighters struggling up Telegraph Hill, becoming their beloved mascot “Firebelle Lil.” At 20, she became the first woman honorary firefighter in the U.S. Her enduring affection for the city led her to leave a third of her fortune to San Francisco, funding Coit Tower and a firefighter memorial in North Beach.

Ruth Asawa

Renowned artist Ruth Asawa devoted her life to expanding arts education in San Francisco, championing creativity for children and serving on the San Francisco Arts Commission. She founded the city’s public arts high school in 1982 and created iconic public commissions across the Bay Area. Asawa believed that when children make art, they create “history for themselves.”

Women’s History Month at Panels, Markets, & More

International Women’s Month Panel Ft. Monday Girl

Join 1 Hotel San Francisco for an exclusive salon series event in celebration of International Women's History Month, hosted in partnership with women's networking group, Monday Girl. Connect with fellow ambitious women through coffee and conversation.

🗓 March 6 | 11 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 8 Mission Street

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Empowering Young Women Panel with Rep. Lateefah Simon & Young Women’s Freedom Center

Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-Oakland) and two leaders of the Young Women's Freedom Center, Emani Davis and Julia Arroyo, will be in conversation on how the Center supports and empowers young women and helps them develop as leaders.

🗓 March 12 | 6-7 PM
📍 110 The Embarcadero

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Humanities West Presents Emma of Normandy

Join Author Patricia Bracewell as she explores Emma of Normandy’s extraordinary life as one of the most powerful women of her era: a shrewd political strategist, influential patron of the arts, and central figure in shaping England’s history. Discover the challenges, victories, and the legacy she left as a trailblazing medieval queen.

🗓 March 20 | 5-7:30 PM
📍 110 The Embarcadero

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Pop-Ups on the Plaza: Celebrating BIPOC Women Makers

Celebrate Bay Area BIPOC women makers with a day of delicious food, crafts, and community at the Embarcadero Ferry Terminal Plaza (south of the Ferry Building) and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. While at the market, join Foodwise Demos featuring women-owned makers and owners:

🗓 March 28 | 9 AM – 2 PM
📍 Ferry Building Farmers Market

The Women Who Shaped San Francisco and Never Stopped Tour

Her City is San Francisco's women-only walking tour, unearthing the stories of the women who shaped this city — and honoring those still shaping it today.

🗓 March 29 | 4 PM – 7 PM
📍 100 Market Street

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Support & Shop Women‑Owned Businesses

Nigella

Founded by longtime friends JR and Rubie, Nigella reimagines the modern flower shop with a fresh, design-forward approach rooted in their shared passion for botanicals and craftsmanship.

📍388 Market Street

Holy Nata

An artisanal Portuguese bakery dedicated exclusively to creating the best Pasteis de Nata. Holy Nata opened its first shop in the Financial District in 2023, bringing a beloved tradition to the city.

📍8 Trinity Place

Hed Verythai

Founded by former Thai beauty queen Billie Wannajaro, Hed Verythai offers a modern take on khao gaeng with beautifully composed curry-and-rice trays. As a transgender woman leading two successful SF restaurants, Billie's story showcases her ambition and resilience to bringing unique Thai dining to the US.

📍88 Hardie Place

The Bar Method

Co-owned by longtime instructors Noreen Dante and Laura Santora, The Bar Method empowers women through strength, grace, and community. Both owners bring lifelong movement backgrounds and a commitment to helping women feel strong and confident.

📍234 Bush Street

Avotoasty

Founded in 2017 by Sofia Guglani, a Colombian entrepreneur and avocado enthusiast, Avotoasty is a woman‑owned café serving nourishing avocado toasts, açaí bowls, beautifully crafted drinks, and more.

📍101 California Street

Boulevard

A San Francisco icon since 1993, Boulevard, founded by celebrated Chef Nancy Oakes, continues to embody California cuisine with seasonal ingredients and refined technique.

📍1 Mission Street

More Women-Owned Businesses:

Make HERstory this Women’s History Month

From landmark-makers of the past to the women shaping downtown today, let their stories move you and their impact stay with you long after March ends. Subscribe to our E-blast mailing list for the latest events, markets, and women‑powered happenings across downtown San Francisco.

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